the Battery. How provoking!

Kingston, Sunday, July 3. Moved position this morning a few rods.
Unharnessed and went to work to build quarters, when we again hitched up
and moved on to a hill one-fourth mile from town, overlooking it, and
strongly fortified. This new camp was vacated this morning by the 10th
Wisconsin Battery belonging to Cavalry Division. 48th Indiana Infantry
stationed right behind for support. All hands busy erecting shelters
from the hot sun. Spencer and D. Evans joined with E. W. E. and myself
and built a cozy little "shebang". Went out grazing three miles this
afternoon, into a splendid clover field. Blackberries in all abundance.
D. Evans and I picked three quarts, a rich supper.

Kingston, Monday, July 4. 'Tis Independence Day but there is nothing
unusual to remind us of it. Yet it is not forgotten. We remember with
enthusiasm how gloriously it was spent one year ago in beholding our
country's enemy succumb to our Chieftain Grant, and we know the time
will come when all traitors will meet a like fate. The train from the
front tells us that Sherman's headquarters are on the summit of Kenesaw
Mountain. If true, good news enough. Hurrah for Sherman and our Union!

Went out grazing both forenoon and afternoon alone, three hours each
time; while out picked blackberries. Brought in as many as mess could
eat, very rich and nice. Camp policed by cannoneers, which makes it look
very much better. It is a pleasant spot, high and airy, broad view
before us.

[Sidenote: 1864 "Home Sweet Home"]

It is dusk, everything is dreary and still, I write alone. Below is
Kingston, wholly deserted, no sign of life except a few wandering
soldiers. The band at Brigade headquarters has been playing "America"
and is now giving "Home Sweet Home" in touching strains that go to the
hearts of all the rough and quiet listeners. How did they spend to-day
at home? Would that I could but have one glance. I feel that their
uppermost thought is "Where is Jenkin to-night." He too is thinking of
you. It is well with him, but longs to hear from home. It is three weeks
since the last mail reached him. The day is spent as all others are
spent. He has nothing to read or amuse himself with here, and he will go
to bed early to enjoy sweet slumbers and pleasant dreams.

Kingston, Tuesday, July 5. A hot day. Evie took out my team to graze
this morning. While gone three large armsful of mail was distributed to
the Batteries and gre